25 cheap holiday date ideas for the broke Orlandoan

Light Up UCF

Through Jan. 6 2019
Winter carnival with ice skating, pictures with Santa, rides, games, movies and more. Prices for activities vary. lightupucf.com.

Photo via Light Up UCF/Facebook

Christmas in the Park

Dec. 6
The Morse Museum decorates Central Park with stained glass windows while the Bach Festival Choir performs a holiday concert; 6:15 pm. Central Park, Winter Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.

Photo via Orlando Weekly

Holiday on the Drive

Dec. 6
Santa and friends ring in the holiday season by turning Edgewater Drive into a winter wonderland, and shops along the drive open for holiday shopping. 5 pm; Edgewater Drive, Edgewater Drive and Smith Street. Free. collegeparkpartnership.com.

Photo via College Park Main Street/Facebook

Elf: The Musical

Dec. 7-9
Adaptation of the Will Ferrell movie about a human man who was raised by Santa's elves. 1:30 & 6 pm; Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St.; $15-$25. orlandorep.com.

Photo via Orlando Repertory Theatre/Instagram

Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park: The Polar Express

Dec. 7
Free screening of the animated film based on the popular children's book. 7 pm; Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street. cityoforlando.net.

Photo via Warner Brother Studio

Do You Hear What I Mishear?

Dec. 7
Holiday-themed sketch and improv comedy show. 8 pm; Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St.; $15. orlandoshakes.org.

Photo via Adobe Images

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Dec. 7
Screening of the holiday comedy outside in the gardens. 7:30 pm; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave; $6. leugardens.org.

Photo via Warner Brothers Studio

Orlando Ballet: The Nutcracker

Dec. 7-16
The traditional holiday performance of Tchaikovsky's most famous work. 7:30 pm; Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $19-$990. drphillipscenter.org.

Photo via Orlando Ballet/Facebook

Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Miracle on 34th Street

Dec. 7
Free outdoor screening of the Christmas classic about a girl who doesn't believe in Santa Claus and the crazy old man out to prove her wrong. 7 pm; Central Park, Winter Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. enzian.org.

Photo via Winter Park/Facebook

Winter on the Avenue

Dec. 7
This holiday street party features a flurry of activities, including the annual tree lighting ceremony. 5-10 pm; Downtown Winter Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.

Photo via Adobe Images

Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast

Dec. 8
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and grab a great seat for the Winter Park Christmas Parade. 7-10:30 am; Central Park, Winter Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park; $5. cityofwinterpark.org.

Photo via Adobe Images

Saturday Matinee Classics: It's a Wonderful Life

Dec. 8
Film about a man's life and what would have happened had he never been born. Noon; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $9. enzian.org.

Photo via Enzian Theatre/Facebook

Winter Park "Ye Olde Hometown" Christmas Parade

Dec. 8
The longest running holiday parade in Central Florida travels down Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south, ending at Lyman Avenue. 9 am; Park Avenue, Park Avenue at Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.

Photo via City of Winter Park

Winter Spark Parade

Dec. 8
Holiday festival with artists, vendors, food and an opportunity for pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, followed by a lighted parade down New Broad Street. 3-7:30 pm; Downtown Baldwin Park, 4915 New Broad St. Free. baldwinparkevents.com.

Photo via Adobe Images

A Christmas Carol

Dec. 8
Celebrate the holiday season with this performance of Dickens' classic tale. 7:30 pm; Margeson Theater, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. From $18. orlandoshakes.org.

Photo via Orlando Shakespeare Theatre

Sounds of the Season

Dec. 9
An outdoor concert from FSYO's Symphonic Orchestra. 3 pm; Mead Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park; $10-$15. fsyo.org.

Photo via Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra/Facebook

A Christmas Spectacular

Dec. 10-15
Travel the United States and visit some of the most popular cities on this Santa-tracking adventure. 7:30 pm; Gateway Center for the Arts, 880 N. Highway 17-92, DeBary; $17. gatewaycenterforthearts.org.

Photo via Gateway Center For The Arts/Facebook

Snow in the Park

Dec. 14
Kids of all ages can glide down giant ice slides, play in snow flurries, or tinker in the toymaker's workshop. Everyone is able to warm up with free delicious s'mores and hot chocolate. 6-9 pm; Central Park's West Meadow, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park. Free. cityofwinterpark.org.

Photo via Adobe Images

Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park: The Santa Clause

Dec. 14
Free screening of the holiday comedy. 7 pm; Walt Disney Amphitheater, Lake Eola Park, Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street. cityoforlando.net.

Photo via Disney

Holiday Pop Swap Market

Dec. 16
Find unique gifts for family and friends among the vendors at the Holiday Pop Swap Market, which features vintage, vinyl and handcrafted products and several food trucks. 1 pm; Dear Prudence Shop, 2912 Corrine Drive; Free. .

Photo via Adobe Images